Slow-Simmered Lamb Kleftiko with Herb Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Lamb braised slowly with garlic, lemon, and herbs until meltingly tender, paired with roasted potatoes infused with fresh oregano and rosemary. This greek ready in about 230 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic cloves, minced, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, combine 3 pounds bone-in lamb shoulder chunks with 3 tbsp olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the lamb mixture to a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven. Add 1 cup water or lamb broth and 1/2 cup white wine. Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
  3. Step 3: Braise in the oven for 3 to 3.5 hours until the lamb is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Step 4: About 45 minutes before the lamb is done, toss 1.5 pounds quartered baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until golden and tender, about 40 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve the lamb kleftiko hot with the herb-roasted potatoes alongside, spooning some of the braising juices over the meat for extra flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Lamb Kleftiko with Herb Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 230 minutes (20 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Lamb Kleftiko with Herb Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lamb Kleftiko with Herb Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Simmered Lamb Kleftiko with Herb Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Simmered Lamb Kleftiko with Herb Potatoes?

Greek greek like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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